Improvements to start this autumn

WORK to improve the Porthloo boat park and rebuild the slipway on St Mary's is scheduled to start in the autumn.

Confirming receipt of EU Convergence grant aid, Duchy of Cornwall land steward Chris Gregory paid tribute to the assistance received from the Economic Development Department of the islands' council.

The programme includes improvements to access roads and services as well as improved access for pedestrians using the footpath crossing the site.

Harbour master Dale Clark said: "Although the works have been delayed until the autumn of 2013, this should be the last year that vessels have to negotiate launching across Porthloo beach.

"The works will provide much-improved facilities for existing customers, assist in improving business for local tradesmen such as boatbuilders and marine engineering and also allow boat-owners who have previously wintered their vessels on the mainland to remain on Scilly."

Keith Buchanan, who has represented the interests of the marine industry in developing the proposals, said: "This result represents a concerted effort to bring all the factors together – planning, environmental requirements and financing – not to mention an optimum design for today and future needs."

All manner of work and pleasure craft would benefit from a vital facility, he said.